It took me a while to realize that my mom is on my side. Like most people, I went through my rebellious "I hate the world and everything is stupid" stage. And I'll be honest, my parents were not my best friends during that time. Family and friends were placed in two separate categories, and my parents, mostly my mom, were only around to complain and nag.

I've been living in college, away from home, for two years now. And I will admit, it's been exciting learning to be independent. I manage my own time, finances, social engagements, etc. On the other hand, I am so blessed to attend college relatively close to home. My mother is an hour away at most, which is a godsend as I try to navigate the narrow and rocky straits of college.

She is there for me in the good times and the bad. She's listened to me rant about professors, classes, work, friends, boys, etc. Any complaint I have, my mom is always the first to hear it. And no one makes everything okay better than her. She is soothing. She is wise. She is comforting. But my mom isn't only there for me in the worst of times. She is also the first to hear about the good things that happen in my life: the accomplishments, achievements, and triumphs.

When I first started college, people thought it was weird that I would call my mom and talk to her every day.

They would ask me: "What could you possibly have to talk about if you talk that often?" So I started thinking about it. Was it really that weird? Am I a "momma's girl?" And I've realized: I don't care.

I've realized that my mom is my best friend. My mom is the friend that will stand by my side through thick and thin. Through every downfall, and through every peak in my life, my mom has been there. And she will continue to be there for me, no matter what. If I were to murder someone, my mom would be the person that would help me get rid of the body ... after a thorough lecture, of course (please don't take that seriously, Mom––I'm not actually going to kill anyone).

I wish I had realized earlier how special and important my mom is to me, but I understand why it took me so long. Now that I've matured (I still have a ways to go, but I've made progress!), my mom and I can have truly open and honest conversations and connect in ways we couldn't before. One of my favorite things in life is going out to lunch, or on a shopping trip, or even just a drive, with my mom.

So thank you, mom, for being patient with me. I'm sorry it took so long to realize that you truly are my best friend and confidante. I don't know what I would do without you; I'm so blessed to have you in my life.